What Does a Paraprofessional Do?

Working as a paraprofessional can make a significant difference in the classroom. Teachers have their hands full with lesson planning, managing student behavior, and classroom instruction. Having the assistance of another educational professional is always beneficial.

This is where paraprofessionals come into play. Paraprofessionals offer much-needed help by providing instructional support and other classroom assistance.

If you'd like to become a paraprofessional, take time to understand their classroom responsibilities. Learning about the educational requirements and skills needed to start this career is also important.

What Is a Paraprofessional?

A paraprofessional assists a licensed teacher with many classroom needs. They have many job titles. Some include:

• teacher aide
• instructional aide
• educational assistant
• teacher assistant
• instructional assistant
• paraeducator

Paraprofessionals work in private and public schools at each grade level, including elementary school, middle school, and high school. They also find work with child daycare services.

Skills Required of a Paraprofessional

Individuals interested in working as paraprofessionals need special skills to thrive in the classroom. They include:

• communication skills to share student progress with parents and teachers and provide clear instruction to students
• patience to positively interact with learners with different backgrounds and abilities
• interpersonal skills to connect with students, teachers, parents, and other educational professionals
• creativity to come up with unique ways for students with different learning styles to understand the materials

Other skills paraprofessionals might need include resourcefulness, active listening, organizational abilities, and knowledge of subjects like math and English.

Benefits of Being a Paraprofessional

Working in this profession comes with plenty of perks. Paraprofessionals typically have steady full-time work opportunities during the school year. They usually enjoy time off during the summer, though some opt to assist with summer school classrooms.

Since the paraprofessional role has fewer requirements than the certified teacher, it's possible to get valuable on-the-job training. This is great for individuals who want to start working in the classroom sooner but don't have the extra years of schooling or experience under their belts.

Possibly the greatest benefit of taking on the paraprofessional position is enjoying the satisfaction of helping students learn. It's not always easy for teachers to connect with every learner in the classroom. As a paraprofessional, you get to fill in necessary gaps and support students in their academic journey.

What Are the Responsibilities of a Paraprofessional?

Despite paraprofessionals working under the guidance of a certified teacher, they have many of their own responsibilities. Administrative tasks and one-on-one student interactions are just a few.

Assisting Teachers with Students in the Classroom

A paraprofessional plays a major role in a teacher's success. Some ways they help include:

• assisting with lesson planning
• managing classroom behavior
• getting materials and equipment ready for lessons
• reviewing lessons with students one-on-one and in small groups
• supervising students during recess, between classes, and during lunch periods

Working One-on-One With Students With Learning Disabilities

Students with learning disabilities and other special needs often require individualized attention. Whether working in traditional or special education classrooms, paraprofessionals and special education paraprofessionals do the following:

• assist students in traditional classrooms with understanding materials based on their learning style
• help students with severe disabilities learn in separate classrooms
• give special education teachers assistance with classroom management and instruction
• assist with developing Individualized Education Program (IEP) plans for students

Completing Administrative Tasks

Paraprofessionals also assist teachers with administrative responsibilities. Some include:

• taking attendance
• calculating grades
• reporting student progress to teachers and parents

Helping with Field Trips or School Events

School doesn't always take place inside the classroom. Students often enjoy school events and field trips that allow them to experience what they've learned first-hand and spend time with their peers in social settings.

Events that take place outside the classroom or school require adult supervision. Paraprofessionals keep order during these events by taking student headcounts and helping to manage behaviors.

How To Become a Paraprofessional

The process of becoming a paraprofessional starts with the right education. Here is a look at what it takes to snag this position.

Get a High School Diploma or GED

The first step in becoming a paraprofessional is to earn your high school diploma. You can also earn its equivalent, which is usually a GED.

Earn an Associate Degree

In some states, securing a paraprofessional position requires at least two years of college coursework?r an associate degree. Paraprofessionals working with a Title 1 program (a federal program for schools with many students from low-income homes) must have a two-year degree, two years of college, or pass an assessment (state or local).

Associate degree programs are available to prepare paraprofessionals for roles in the field. These programs teach students how to develop learning materials, observe students, and assist classroom teachers.

Consider a Bachelor's Degree

While bachelor's degrees typically aren't required to become a paraprofessional, some earn degrees in fields like the following:

• education
• teaching
• psychology

Earning a bachelor's degree boosts your qualifications and helps you compete against strong candidates.

Gain Experience Working With Students

Before taking on the paraprofessional role, you could benefit from getting experience working with students. Here are some options to consider:

• summer teaching internships
• substitute teaching
• field experience in education programs
• student mentorship
• tutoring

Pass the ETS Parapro Assessment

The ETS ParaPro Assessment measures practicing and prospective paraprofessionals' reading, math, and writing knowledge. The exam also gauges their ability to apply these subjects when assisting with classroom instruction.

ETS doesn't determine a passing score. Each state sets its own score requirements.

Obtain a Paraprofessional Certification

Some states and school districts require the ParaPro Assessment or a similar assessment for certification. Here are examples of qualifying scores by state that paraprofessionals must exceed to become certified:

• Arkansas - 457
• Delaware - 459
• Kansas - 455
• Nebraska - 456
• Washington - 455

Some states offer their own paraprofessional certification exam. For example, New York requires students to pass the New York State Assessment of Teaching Assistant Skills test (NYSATAS). Missouri lets students take its Paraprofessional Assessment or the ParaPro Assessment. Some states like North Carolina have no license or certification requirements to become a paraprofessional.

FAQs About Paraprofessionals

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), about 1.3 million teacher assistants worked in 2022. If you're eager to join the ranks, learn more about this role by reviewing the following frequently asked questions.

How Long Does It Take To Become a Paraprofessional?

The time required to become a paraprofessional can differ by state. Some have no requirements while others follow federal guidelines that might include two years of education beyond high school. States might also require passing a certification exam or meeting other requirements.

What Is the Difference Between a Teacher and a Paraprofessional?

A teacher is the primary educator and takes the lead in lesson planning, instruction, classroom management, and the overall success of their students. Becoming a teacher requires a minimum of a bachelor's degree and a state-issued license or certification. Paraprofessionals have fewer responsibilities in the classroom and lower educational requirements.

Can You Become a Paraprofessional Completely Online?

You might be able to become a paraprofessional online. Consider earning 60 credit hours via online courses. Or, take the ParaPro Assessment or your state's assessment online. If your state has other requirements for becoming a paraprofessional, see if online options are available.

How Do You Maintain a Paraprofessional Certification?

Some states have no specific requirements for maintaining paraprofessional certification?thers do. In Iowa, for example, the Paraeducator Generalist Certificate is valid for five years. To renew, one must show an official transcript with three credits of courses and valid Certificates of Completion for its Mandatory Reporter: Child Abuse training and Mandatory Reporter: Dependent Adult Abuse training.